Contents
Description
Cenchrus Cupreus, commonly known as Copper bur grass, is a warm-season annual grass that is native to Africa. This grass is known for its sharp, prickly seed heads that can be painful to step on. It is commonly found in disturbed areas, fields, and pastures. Cenchrus Cupreus can grow up to a height of 2-3 feet and has a fibrous root system.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Cenchrus |
Appearance
Cenchrus Cupreus has a coarse texture and a green to copper color. Its leaves are narrow and long, growing up to 6 inches in length. The seed heads are spiky and can grow up to 2 inches in length. They start off green but turn brown as they mature. The grass has a clumping growth habit and can spread by seed.
Care Guide
To care for Cenchrus Cupreus, it is important to provide it with full sun and well-draining soil. This grass is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering, but it can benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. It does not require fertilization, but adding compost or a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can promote healthy growth.Cenchrus Cupreus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate heat and humidity. It is not frost-tolerant and will die back when temperatures drop below freezing.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cenchrus Cupreus is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. It can also be affected by rust and leaf spot, which can be treated with a fungicide if necessary.
Habitat
Cenchrus Cupreus is native to Africa but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States. It can be found in disturbed areas, fields, pastures, and along roadsides. It is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cenchrus Cupreus a perennial or an annual grass?
A: Cenchrus Cupreus is an annual grass.
Q: Can Cenchrus Cupreus be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow Cenchrus Cupreus in containers, it is not recommended as it has a deep root system and requires a lot of space to grow.
Q: How often should Cenchrus Cupreus be watered?
A: Cenchrus Cupreus is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It can benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
Q: Can Cenchrus Cupreus be used for grazing?
A: While Cenchrus Cupreus is not toxic to livestock, it is not a preferred forage due to its sharp seed heads that can injure the mouths and digestive tracts of animals.
Related Plants
- Cenchrus biflorus
- Cenchrus ciliaris
- Cenchrus echinatus
- Cenchrus setigerus
References
- “Cenchrus Cupreus.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/cenchruscupr.htm.
- “Cenchrus Cupreus (E.Fourn.) Morrone.” GBIF, www.gbif.org/species/3081939.
- “Cenchrus Cupreus.” Grass Manual, grassmanual.org/monocots/CENCHRUS/cupreus.shtml.
